China’s recent activities in the South Pacific have raised alarms among neighbouring countries. Chinese naval task group sailed through waters separating the antipodean nations, firing live rounds and causing commercial jetliners to divert. Three Chinese warships conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, situated between Australia and New Zealand, without prior notice. These drills disrupted commercial flights and heightened regional tensions. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the presence of Chinese warships in Australia’s exclusive economic zone as unusual, while New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed concerns over the short notice given before the exercises.

In a related development, the Cook Islands have entered into a partnership with China, focusing on cooperation in areas like seabed mining. This move has caused tension with close ally New Zealand, which has requested more transparency regarding the agreement.

These events reflect China’s growing influence and military manoeuvres in the South Pacific, prompting neighbouring nations to closely monitor the situation.